Arizona State Sun Devils vs Arizona Wildcats Picks and Predictions for Wednesday January 14 2026
Wednesday night brings one of college basketball’s most heated rivalries to the desert as Arizona State travels to Tucson to face unbeaten Arizona at McKale Memorial Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 10:30 PM EST, with coverage on FS1. The moneyline is off for this matchup, while Arizona is installed as a heavy -21.5 favorite and Arizona State comes back at +21.5. The total is set at 163.5, with standard juice on both the over and under. This rivalry game always carries added intensity, even when the teams enter heading in very different directions. For more daily breakdowns and betting angles, be sure to check out our NCAAB Predictions page.
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Arizona State Sun Devils: Inconsistent Results but Capable Offensively
The visiting Arizona State Sun Devils come into this rivalry contest with a 10–6 record, a mark that reflects an up-and-down season marked by defensive struggles and uneven performances away from home. Arizona State has shown flashes of offensive capability, but consistency has been hard to find, particularly against stronger competition.
Over their last five games, the Sun Devils are 1–4, though the most recent result was encouraging. Arizona State picked up an 87–84 win over Kansas State, showing poise late and enough shot-making to close out a tight game. Before that, however, they suffered a 104–76 loss at BYU, followed by a 95–89 loss to Colorado, a 78–75 defeat against Oregon State, and a 90–77 road loss at UCLA. That stretch highlights the core issue for Arizona State: they can score, but they struggle to string together stops.
From a statistical standpoint, Arizona State averages 80.8 points per game, but they allow 78.8, one of the weaker defensive marks among competitive teams. They shoot 46% from the field, rebound at 34.2 per game, and average 14.1 assists, suggesting a fairly balanced but not elite offensive profile. Defensively, the Sun Devils contribute 4.4 blocks and 7.4 steals per game, yet those numbers haven’t translated into consistent defensive efficiency. Against a high-powered Arizona offense, that lack of resistance becomes a major concern.
The key challenge for Arizona State in this matchup is surviving Arizona’s pace and physicality without letting the game spiral early. If they fall behind quickly, it could turn into a long night.
Arizona Wildcats: Undefeated, Explosive, and Dominant at Home
The Arizona Wildcats enter this rivalry showdown with a pristine 16–0 record, firmly establishing themselves as one of the most complete teams in the country. Arizona has been dominant on both ends of the floor and has shown no signs of slowing down as conference play unfolds.
Looking at their last five games, Arizona has been ruthless. They most recently earned an 86–73 road win at TCU, followed by a 101–76 home win over Kansas State. Prior to that, the Wildcats handled Utah 97–78 on the road, dismantled San Diego State 99–71, and cruised past Bethune-Cookman 107–71. These results show a team that not only wins but consistently wins by margin.
Statistically, Arizona is elite. They average 91.1 points per game while allowing just 68, a massive scoring differential. The Wildcats shoot 52% from the field, dominate the glass with 43.9 rebounds per game, and move the ball beautifully with 19.2 assists per contest. Defensively, they add 4.5 blocks and 8.9 steals per game, using length and pressure to overwhelm opponents. At McKale Memorial Center, Arizona’s energy and efficiency often snowball into extended scoring runs.
Arizona’s depth, rebounding edge, and offensive balance make them extremely difficult to keep close, especially against teams that struggle defensively. 
Arizona State Sun Devils vs Arizona Wildcats Pick and Prediction
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Sean Higgs | +2,142.00 |
| 2 |  Joe Duffy | +1,241.00 |
| 3 |  Bryan Power | +1,174.00 |
| 4 |  Rob Vinciletti | +889.00 |
| 5 |  Mike Lundin | +839.00 |
Arizona State Sun Devils vs Arizona Wildcats ATS Pick
- Pick: Arizona Wildcats -21.5 (-110)
I’m laying the points with Arizona in this spot. Normally, big rivalry games can make large spreads uncomfortable, but Arizona has consistently shown they don’t let up, even against familiar opponents. The matchup strongly favors the Wildcats, particularly on the glass and in offensive efficiency.
From my perspective, Arizona State’s defensive issues are simply too glaring. Allowing nearly 79 points per game against this Arizona offense is a dangerous formula. Arizona’s rebounding advantage should lead to extra possessions, and their shooting efficiency makes it likely they turn those into points. Even if Arizona State shows early fight, Arizona’s depth and pace should stretch this game into a comfortable margin by the second half.
Arizona State Sun Devils vs Arizona Wildcats Total Pick
- Pick: Over 163.5 (-110)
I’m also leaning to the over in this matchup. Arizona’s offensive profile alone puts them in position to score into the high 80s or low 90s, and Arizona State is capable of contributing enough to push the total higher. The Sun Devils average over 80 points per game themselves and tend to play faster when trailing.
If Arizona State is forced to chase, that leads to quicker possessions, more transition opportunities, and less emphasis on half-court defense. That game script favors points piling up on both ends, making the over the stronger total play in this rivalry showdown.
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